Why Matty Blair will play a key role in Doncaster Rovers' run-in

The 32-year-old returned to the Rovers starting line-up for the first time since mid-September in the 2-1 defeat at Gillingham after being sidelined with a groin injury.

Winger Blair was tasked with providing cover for the back line against the Gills last week and Rovers manager Moore says the former Mansfield Town man’s experience will be vital for his young group of players in the months ahead.

“I am delighted to have Matty back, with his experience (and) his know how,” said Moore. “I thought he did a great job for us last week.

“I thought he was brilliant for the 70-odd minutes he was on the pitch.

“It's a testament to him after being out for so long - three or four months - and coming back and putting on a performance like that.

“It's the right time for us to have Matty back as I said, with his experience, and with his style of play will be very, very useful for us for the final quarter of the season.”

Blair admitted earlier this week that he was ‘a bit surprised’ to have been given a starting place against Steve Evans’ Gillingham side last weekend.

“I was probably a little bit surprised,” he told the Free Press.

“It’s probably the position we have the most competition in.

“It was a good vote of confidence and hopefully I can take that forward.”